Biomedical subjects

Y Wagatsuma

Publications and source records attributed to Y Wagatsuma.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Phthalocyanine-dyed fibers adsorb allergenic proteins.

Phthalocyanine (Pc)-dyed fiber is reported to reduce atopic symptoms in some patients when they use underwear made of the fiber. We investigated the adsorption of allergens on Pc-fiber. Pc-fiber trapped house dust/pollen/food allergens with varied molecular weight and pI. The adsorbed allergens were released in the presence of mild detergent. Pc-fiber did not change the molecular weight or disulfide bonding of the allergens. These observations imply that Pc-fiber is applicable as an "allergen trap" for a wide variety of products.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2005

Application of an improved method for the recombinant k 39 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect visceral leishmaniasis disease and infection in Bangladesh.

Several serology-based immunoassays are used to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a chronic protozoan parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania donovani complex. These tests are primarily designed to diagnose the most severe clinical form of VL, known as kala-azar. However, leishmanial infection is frequently asymptomatic and may manifest only as a positive serologic response or positive leishmanin skin test. We modified a previously described enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects patient antibodies reactive with the recombinant Leishmania protein K39 (rK39) to confirm suspected kala-azar and to detect asymptomatic infection in a community study in Bangladesh. With the inclusion of a standard curve on each ELISA plate, the rK39 ELISA was more repeatable (kappa coefficient of agreement=0.970) and more reliable compared to the original method (kappa=0.587, P<0.001). The cutoff point for a positive antibody response was chosen based on the 99th percentile of the ELISA distribution for the negative-control sera. However, we found that sera from all patients with active kala-azar yielded values more than twice the magnitude of this cutoff. Using receiver-operator characteristic curves, we determined a second cutoff value predictive of kala-azar. Using these criteria, the sensitivity and specificity of the modified ELISA for kala-azar were 97.0% and 98.9%, respectively, for sera from our study population. We hypothesize that individuals with antibody levels greater than the 99th percentile of the negative controls but less than the cutoff point for kala-azar have asymptomatic leishmanial infections.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Predicting the timing of second praziquantel treatment and its effect on reduction of egg counts in southern Ghana.

Schistosoma haematobium infection could be associated with morbidity. Generally, the cost of schistosomiasis control is high and it becomes a burden for governments or non-governmental organisations to repeat control programs so as to reduce morbidity. There is therefore, the need to optimise the available meagre resources for its control. From 1993 to 1997 the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research of the University of Ghana carried out a schistosomiasis control program in southern Ghana. Using the generated data, an attempt is made to determine the timing of the second praziquantel treatment and the period needed after the second chemotherapy to have egg counts reduced to low levels in southern Ghana. It was revealed that the second praziquantel treatment in areas 1, 2, and 3 should be administered latest at 13.8, 11.8 and 13.2 months, respectively after the first one. Most importantly, it takes 24.4 months to bring egg counts to zero in area 3 while in area 1, it takes about 29 months after the second praziquantel treatment. Egg counts were not reduced to zero in area 2 after the second chemotherapy. At least passive health education and continuous safe water supply should support the chemotherapy in addition to weed removal at the water contact sites.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana: a logistic regression approach to data from a community-based integrated control program.

The data for this analysis are based on the schistosomiasis control project of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, designed to study the feasibility and effectiveness of an integrated schistosomiasis control program. It embraced chemotherapy and health education for community motivation. The study was carried out from 1993 to 1997. This paper presents observations made 24 months after intervention. Eight communities in southern Ghana were grouped into three areas. Individuals in all the areas received praziquantel after the baseline data collection in 1992-1993. Area 1 had passive while Area 3 received active health education. Area 2 received no education. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was the response variable of interest while age, sex, and area were considered as possible influencing variables. The model for the baseline data indicated no significant difference in prevalence among the three areas. The model 24 months after intervention indicated a significant difference among the three areas, suggesting a possible influence of the health education that motivated community participation in the provision of facilities for the control of schistosomiasis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

The knowledge and practice on malaria among community members in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge of the cause, preventive measures and symptoms of malaria, treatment seeking behaviour on malaria and source of information about malaria among community members for the planning of effective malaria intervention. DESIGN: A cross sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered by health workers from rural health centres. SETTING: Households in rural areas from five districts namely Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP), Hurungwe, Mount Darwin, Bulilimamangwe and Chipinge in Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: 2,531 community members who were in charge of households sampled systematically in the area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of knowledge of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention methods such as residual house spraying and personal protection, and treatment seeking practice on malaria. RESULTS: Knowledge of malaria transmission was generally high ranging from 57.9% to 95.9%, although there were some misconceptions such as drinking dirty water and poor hygiene. Knowledge of malaria preventive methods was varied among districts ranging from 19.4% to 93.0% about residual house spraying, and low (0.2% to 22.7%), (8.1% to 24.5%) about mosquito nets and repellents, respectively. Knowledge of malaria signs was generally high although this also varied among districts. Treatment seeking practice on malaria shows that the majority of respondents (85.4%) visit the clinic first when seeking treatment although there are other options such as shops and traditional healers. Other sources of information about malaria mentioned were, health workers (72.9%), radio (44.0%), television (37.5%), teachers (25.0%) and village community workers (10.0%). CONCLUSION: Despite widespread knowledge about the cause of malaria and symptoms, and the fairly extensive sources of health information, understanding of the preventive measures was relatively low. Appropriate health education is essential to stimulate changes in both knowledge and behaviour in malaria control activities. Schools can be effective health education tools as well as health facilities.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

PubMed2001

[Pollen surveys in Sapporo for 6 years during 1992 to 1997].

We carried out pollen surveys for 6 years from 1992 to 1997. The method of pollen survey studied was based on the standardization board of air born pollen survey and pollen information in Japan. The pollen samples were collected in Nishioka-area of Toyohira-ku, and Kawazoe-area of Minami-ku in Sapporo. As the pollen sample device. IS Rotary pollen trap was used at Nishioka-area during 1992 to 1994 and at Kawazoe-area in 1993, and Durham's pollen trap was used at Kawazoe-area during 1995 to 1997. The yearly pollen counts were highly fluctuated in trees, particularly Yew (Taxus spp.), Alder (Alnus spp.), Birch (Betula spp.), Pine (Pinus spp.), Fir (Abies spp.), than in Grasses (Gramineae) and Weeds (Polygonaceae, Plantago spp., Artemisia spp., Chenopodiaceae). In addition, the starting date of pollination was widely fluctuated year by year in trees. For instance, the pollen of Birch was confirmed on April 13 in 1993, as the first day in Nishioka-area, while it was on April 28 in 1994. It should be considered that the pollen counts and the starting date of pollination were highly dependent on the weather condition of the previous year and the current year.

Japan↗

PubMed2000

Urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana: 1. Prevalence and morbidity assessment in three (defined) rural areas drained by the Densu river.

Epidemiological studies on urinary schistosomiasis were carried out in eight villages in the Ga and Akuapem South districts in Ghana. Single urine samples were collected from individuals aged 5 years and above between 10.00 and 14.00 h. The samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs using a filtration technique. Indirect morbidity was determined as the presence of microhaematuria and proteinuria using reagent strips, and macrohaematuria was recorded with the naked eye. Out of the study population of 3912 subjects, 2562 (65.5%) submitted urine samples. The prevalence of a Schistosoma haematobium infection ranged between 54.8 and 60.0%. Infection rates increased by age with a peak in the 10-19 years category, and decreased with increasing age. Disease prevalence was higher in males aged 15 years and above in Areas 2 (Ntoaso and Sansami Amanfro) and 3 (Dom Faase, Papase, Chento and Gidi Kope), whereas it was higher among males aged 10 years and above in Area 1 (Ayikai Doblo and Akramaman). The intensity of infection was highest among children aged 10-14 years in most of the villages. More than half of egg-positive children in this age group had a heavy infection (100 eggs and above in 10 ml of urine). Although both egg-positive and egg-negative individuals manifested variable degrees of macro- or micro-haematuria, microhaematuria was more prevalent among egg-positives (chi(2)=918.5, d.f.=1, P<0.01). The degree of microhaematuria and proteinuria were significantly associated with the intensity of the infection. These results indicate a high transmission of disease in the study area.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Clinical evaluation of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for gastric variceal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Emergency endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) has been applied to the initial treatment of gastric variceal bleeding and various methods have been attempted. METHODS: Emergency EIS was performed on 38 patients with gastric variceal bleeding using either the ethanolamine oleate (EO) method or n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) method and the outcome was compared. RESULTS: Complete haemostasis was defined as continuous haemostasis lasting for 14 days or more. Complete haemostasis was achieved in 52.4% of patients in the EO method versus 100% of those treated with the Histoacryl method, a significant difference, suggesting that the Histoacryl method was superior for achieving haemostasis in an emergency. The cumulative non-bleeding rate was also significantly higher in patients treated with Histoacryl, indicating the durability of haemostasis. There were no serious complications in patients who received either method of sclerotherapy. Post-EIS surgery was required in 42.8% of patients treated with EO, while no surgery was required in those treated with Histoacryl, supporting the greater haemostatic effect of Histoacryl. Although there was no significant difference in the cumulative survival rates of patients treated by these two methods, death from haemorrhage was avoided by using Histoacryl. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the Histoacryl method is thought to be the initial treatment of choice for gastric variceal bleeding, because it achieved superior haemostasis compared with EO and death by haemorrhage was avoided.

Emergencies↗

PubMed1999

Resolution and resurgence of schistosoma haematobium-induced pathology after community-based chemotherapy in ghana, as detected by ultrasound.

Community-based treatment is recommended for endemic populations with urinary schistosomiasis; however, the optimal target group for treatment and retreatment interval have not been established. Using ultrasound, this study identified subpopulations whose lesions were most likely to respond to treatment and characterized resurgence of pathology. Ultrasound examination of 1202 infected patients was followed by chemotherapy with praziquantel. A sample of 698 patients was followed for 18 months after treatment. Nearly all types of bladder pathologies resolved after treatment, regardless of patient's age or intensity of initial infection. However, many patients' upper urinary tract pathologies (62.5%) did not resolve. During the 18-month follow-up period, reappearance of severe bladder pathologies was rare, and <10% of persons had resurgence of mild bladder pathologies. For this population, retreatment is not needed annually but might be cost effective if given several years later. Confirmation from other areas is required before general policies can be formed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Health education and community participation in the control of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of health education and community participation for the provision of facilities necessary for the control of urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana. HYPOTHESIS: Health education facilitates community participation in the provision of facilities for the control of bilharzia. STUDY AREA: Three rural communities drained by the Densu river in southern Ghana. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged 14 years and above formed groups of 10-12 persons by age, sex, ethnic and educational background; 15-16 groups were formed. INTERVENTIONS: Based on existing structures, one community received active, another passive health education and the third had no education. All three communities received chemotherapy. DESIGN: Study was carried out in three phases: pre-intervention phase--during which baseline data on residents' knowledge, attitude, beliefs and perception about bilharzia were collected using focus group discussions (FGD) prior to the second phase, intervention. Another FGD was held after 18 months to evaluate the intervention--third phase. RESULTS: This study suggests that most community members were aware of schistosomiasis but not as a disease. Before the health education, some residents believed bilharzia was a sign of manhood while others attributed the red colour of the urine to the red colour of a variety of sugar cane eaten in the area. After the health education, residents in the three areas constructed hand-dug wells. In addition, those who received active health education constructed two toilets for the schools and weeded the banks of the rivers. Residents also associated the disease with the water snail. CONCLUSION: Health education was useful in changing community perception on bilharzia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Studies on pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic changes after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)].

In 10 patients who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) at our institution, postoperative pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic changes were compared with those before the procedure. After TIPS, right atrial and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures, cardiac output, and cardiac index increased significantly, and there was a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance. Thus, systemic hemodynamic changes showed evidence of a more hyperdynamic circulation. In addition, right ventricular end-diastolic volume index was significantly increased and this increase was persistent, with maintained right heart strain. With respect to pulmonary hemodynamics, alveolar arterial oxygen difference and right-to-left shunt increased significantly, along with a significant decrease in arterio-venous oxygen content difference, which indicated impairment of pulmonary diffusing capacity. These findings suggest that preoperative evaluation of the cardiac reserve and pulmonary function is important before performing TIPS. After TIPS, patients should be followed carefully because postoperative heart failure or pulmonary edema may occur.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Sonographic screening for urinary tract abnormalities in patients with Schistosoma haematobium infection: pitfalls in examining pregnant women.

In areas where Schistosoma haematobium is endemic, urinary schistosomiasis and pregnancy are frequently concomitant; however, both these conditions may produce similar urinary tract changes in ultrasound scans and hence their differential diagnosis may be difficult. In patients with urinary schistosomiasis, focal and/or diffuse urinary bladder wall changes are frequently detected ultrasonically. Dilatation of one or both ureters and progressive hydronephrosis may be observed in more severe cases. Satisfactory ultrasound examination of the urinary bladders of pregnant women is generally not feasible because mechanical compression by the fetus or transitory lower urinary tract infection hampers adequate filling of the bladder. Pregnancy itself is frequently associated with dilatation of one or both ureters and/or hydronephrosis; this is due to hormonal factors, infection, or compression of one or both ureters by the enlarged uterus and growing fetus. Hence, when sonography of the urinary bladder is not feasible such pregnancy-associated changes are virtually indistinguishable from those caused by S. haematobium, and may be incorrectly attributed to the latter. Pregnant women, therefore, should be excluded from ultrasonic surveys of urinary schistosomiasis. In contrast, ultrasound scans of adolescents and of women with positive parasitological findings and/or pathological alterations in the urinary tract should include examination of the uterus in order to assess whether the woman is pregnant; thereby, misinterpretation of sonographic findings can be avoided. Pregnant women with significant hydronephrosis must be closely followed up by an obstetrician since this condition may indicate a complication of the pregnancy; in some cases only a postpartum examination will permit definitive diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

[A case of advanced esophageal cancer made resectable by preoperative combination therapy with 5-FU and CDDP].

The authors experienced a case of advanced esophageal cancer made resectable by combination therapy with 5-FU and CDDP as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient was a 69-year-old-man suffering from esophageal cancer of A3.N4 (+).Pl0.M0 at stage IV. At this case was diagnosed to be radically unresectable, this form of combination therapy was used. The patient showed PR after 2 courses and the operation could then be conducted. The intraoperative findings revealed fibrous fusion of tumor with the aorta, but no direct invasion. The metastatic lymph nodes were necrotized and reduced. It was evaluated as Grade 3 in accordance with the "Histologic criteria for the effects of anticancer chemotherapy." The postoperative course was favorable without recurrence. This therapy caused no adverse reactions and seems effective as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced esophageal cancer.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

[Study on pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity in resected tissues of patients with gastric cancer].

Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase (PyNPase) activity was measured in gastric cancer tissue from 25 patients who underwent resections of gastric cancer. The relation between the activity and host and tumor factors in gastric cancer was studied, and the following results were obtained. 1. PyNPase activity was 128.3 +/- 99.5 in cancer tissue and 37.2 +/- 23.1 in non-cancer tissue. The level was significantly higher in cancer tissue (p < 0.0001). 2. With respect to host factors, the PyNPase activity tended to be high in patients in whom cell-mediated immune response was maintained. 3. With respect to tumor factors, the values tended to be high in patients who were positive for lymph vessel and venous invasion, and positive for lymph node metastasis. 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine(5'-DFUR) is an anticancer agent which manifests antitumor effects when it is transformed into 5-FU by PyNPase. When this agent is administered to gastric cancer patients, it can be expected to be more effective in the above types of patients because of its characteristics.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Portal hemodynamic changes from TIPS--evaluation with pulse Doppler method].

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) was applied in three patients with Child C liver cirrhosis. Portal venous pressure was reduced by an average of 10.7 mmHg, and results such as the disappearance of esophageal varices and reduction in ascites were obtained. The portal hemodynamics of these three patients was observed before and after TIPS using the pulse Doppler method. When portal hemodynamics in the main portal vein was examined before TIPS, it was found that the mean blood flow velocity had decreased, the blood flow volume was reduced and the cross-sectional area of the vein had increased. The congestion index was high and there was definite congestion of the portal venous system. After TIPS, the blood flow velocity and volume increased, the cross-sectional area of the vein was reduced and the congestion index was lower. Congestion of the portal venous system was improved in these three patients and the clinical efficacy of TIPS was proven by these results. If the stent can be detected sonographically, stent patency is easily confirmed with the pulse Doppler method which is usefull examination technique for follow-up of patients undergoing TIPS.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

A case of Fanconi syndrome whose origin was suspected to be cystinosis.

We report a case of 6 year old girl with Fanconi syndrome the origin of which was suspected to be cystinosis. Pathological findings of a renal biopsy showed needle-like materials in the epithelial cells but the cystine content of the white blood cells was normal. Although excessive urinary loss of growth hormone was detected, the height and weight of the patient was normal. Urinary loss of growth hormone did not cause growth retardation in this case.

Body Height↗

PubMed1994

[Clinical evaluation of biapenem (L-627) in children].

Biapenem (L-627) was evaluated for its efficacy and safety. The following results were obtained. L-627 was given to 9 patients with infections: 3 with pneumonia, 1 with acute bronchopneumonia, 1 with acute bronchitis, 1 with bacteremia, 1 with tonsillitis, 2 with exceptional case. Therapeutic responses were excellent in 3, good in 4, with an efficacy rate of 100%. Adverse reactions were noted. No abnormalities were shown in laboratory data. It has been concluded that L-627 is a useful drug for the treatment of bacterial infections in children.

Bacterial Infections↗

PubMed1994

[A case of nemaline myopathy combined with recurrent rhabdomyolysis].

A four-year-old boy with cerebral palsy showed marked myoglobinemia and developed acute renal failure. Peritoneal dialysis and exchange transfusion resulted in saving the patient. He had a second episode of rhabdomyolysis after one month. Renal failure did not develop due to forced solute-alkaline diuresis therapy. Muscle biopsy revealed nemaline bodies by the Gomori trichome stain. Serum and muscle carnitine showed a marked decrease.

Acute Kidney Injury↗